Prayer

Prayers were always accompanied by gifts, to propitiate the gods. They were either gifts for the moment, to be deposited on the altar or consumed by fire; or they took the shape of votive offerings, which remained the property of the sanctuary. Gifts, as an old proverb says, determine the acts of gods and kings. Offerings of the former class consisted of the first-fruits of the field, such as onions, pumpkins, grapes, figs, and olives. Prepared eatables, such cakes and other pastry, frequently in the shapes of animals, and in the place of real ones, were also offered to the gods Roasted barley was another common gift; it was either thrown into the flames or sprinkled on the necks of the animals brought for sacrifice.

To some gods unmixed wine was offered others received honey, milk, and oil. A libation of this kind is represented in the frequently repeated choragic bas-reliefs, where Nike pours the sacred beverage into a vase which is offered to her by the victorious Kitharoidos.